Voices of Ukraine

Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
10.20.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

The situation in the ATO zone is relatively calm. At the same time, militants continue accumulating forces and supplies in the vicinity of Spartak and north of the settlement, as well as in the area of the Donetsk Airport [DAP] (Donetsk-Pivnichnyi, Pryvokzalna street, Novoihnatyivske cemetery, DAP’s fire department, and other locations). In these areas, a rapid increase in the numbers of enemy personnel and armaments (including AGS-17 and SPG-9 “Kopye” grenade launchers) is observed. Up to 600 militants, split into 4 groups, arrived to these areas.

North of Mar’inka and in the vicinity of DAP, militants opened small arms fire several times over the past 24 hours, both from the neutral zone and from their positions.

Militants are transferring their personnel from the direction of Pervomaisk towards Kirovsk, on board of trucks and buses escorted by ACVs. This transfer is part of the rotation of armed gangs that had been shelling the ATO forces positions near Popasna, Katerynivka and Orikhove over the course of the past months. Notably, as rotation goes on, terrorist units are replaced by units of smaller strength, due to lack of personnel at the disposal of the Russian-terrorist troop command.

In the vicinity of Torez, militants are equipping positions for personnel and combat equipment (fit for a unit of up to one motorized rifle company in strength). According to the militants, these positions are intended for a unit of the Russian Armed Forces. Based on the IR group’s information, this is a cut-off position being created for the eventuality of Ukrainian troops breaking through as far as the utility lines beyond Donetsk. The purpose of locating this position so deep behind the militants’ lines is unclear. At the same time, terrorists rapidly increased security along the Donetsk–Snizhne motorway. Militants are patrolling the motorway, while checkpoints in the rear are checking the identification of passing civilians, and questioning drivers about the “purpose of their trip.”

Information about the meeting of all Cossack unit representatives is circulating among militants of the so-called “6th Separate Motorized Cossack Rifle Regiment named after Chieftain Platov.” The meeting, planned for November 7-8, 2015 and initiated by Pavel Dremov, is aiming to pass a vote of non-confidence against the “LNR government.” (Pavel Dremov is one of the so-called “Cossack Chieftains,” a “commandant” of the town of Stakhanov. Over the past few days, rumors of the impending removal of Dremov from command have been circulating among militants.)

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Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
10.20.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance: (the socio-political situation in the regions of Donbas on 10/20/2015)

There has been a significant reduction in the volume (pressure) of gas supplied from the Russian Federation to the “Luhansk People’s Republic [LNR].” The official reason for that is the “LNR’s failure to pay” [for the shipments]. In this connection, gas transportation to areas controlled by the “DNR” has also been sharply reduced.

* * *

Russian special services have exposed the misappropriation of funds by the leadership of the “Donetsk People’s Republic [DNR].” Money was diverted through obligatory “surcharges” on wages paid to militants by Russia. The “DNR” leadership levied a 10% “tax” on militants’ wages – ostensibly, to raise funds for the “economic development of the DNR.” According to preliminary data, the “DNR” leadership embezzled over RUR 40 million [USD 650 thousand] in this manner.

* * *

A conflict has arisen between the “DNR” leaders and coordinators at the headquarters of Rinat Akhmetov’s charity “Pomozhem [We will help],” after the charity was refused accreditation in the temporarily occupied territory. The “DNR Accreditation Committee for Humanitarian Missions” plans to stop the charity’s vehicles from entering “DNR” territory in a show of strength by these “officials of the Republic” that will enable them to control the distribution of humanitarian aid provided by Akhmetov’s foundation. These measures are being introduced with the approval of Vladislav Surkov, aide to the President of the Russian Federation.

* * *

Contacts are being established between “DNR” representatives and the Polish party “Zmiana” [“Change”] (whose main aim is a change of course for Poland, involving the termination of relations with the USA in favor of more extensive cooperation with Russia). Members of the political council of “Zmiana” have asked the “Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DNR,” Oleksander Kofman, to assist them with obtaining Russian visas, so as to enable them to visit Donetsk via Russia.

* * *

A destructive mood prevails within the Horlivka-Slovyansk episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) [UOC-MP] because of the change in the religious affiliation of the unfinished “Presentation of the Lord” church in Kostyantynivka from UOC-MP to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Kyiv Patriarchate) [UOC-KP], which took place on October 14 of this year. UOC-MP representatives called this event a “hostile takeover” of their place of worship by the UOC-KP clergy, with assistance by soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The most radical UOC-MP priests are urging the senior cleric of the Horlivka-Slovyansk episcopate, Metropolitan Mitrofan (Nikitin), to retaliate against the UOC-KP action by seizing UOC-KP places of worship on the territory temporarily controlled by militants. Metropolitan Mitrofan has not given a clear reply to these appeals, which was perceived by the more radical UOC-MP priests as tacit approval for such seizure of religious buildings.

* * *

Russian “supervisors” are working on “reformatting” the management of the “Central Election Committee [CEC] of the LNR” ahead of local elections provisionally scheduled for February 21, 2016. The chief task is to replace the Chairman of the “LNR” CEC, Sergiy Kozyakov, with a candidate considered more reliable in the eyes of the Russian “supervisors.” Representatives of the Russian Federation are particularly dissatisfied with Kozyakov’s attempts to evade Russia’s “recommendations” on how to run the elections.

* * *
A group of deputies from the “United Russia” party of the Russian Federation’s State Duma [Parliament] has visited Luhansk and met with the “LNR” leaders. The foreign “guests” brought with them computer equipment intended for the “People’s Council of the LNR.” The Russian “supervisors” ordered that the “LNR” media, when reporting on the visit, should not reveal the visitors’ role in the political establishment of the Russian Federation, but instead present [their donations] as “aid from volunteers.”

* * *

The “LNR” is planning to set up a “Parliamentary debate club,” which will discuss socioeconomic and political matters in the “LNR.” The “debates” are intended to focus on the feasibility of starting the unification of the “LNR” and “DNR” (revival of the “Novorossiya” [New Russia] project), with their subsequent integration into the Russian Federation.

* * *

“Qualifying examinations” are underway in the “DNR.” 32 notaries will obtain the right to practice as notaries as a result.

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Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
10.19.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Over the weekend (October 17 and 18, 2015), units of Russian-terrorist forces repeatedly tried to provoke the return fire of ATO forces.

In particular, militants opened fire from automatic firearms in the area of Pisky; terrorists also used AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers.

Militant provocations were also recorded in the area of Shumy, Shyrokyne, and east of Zaitseve. The provocations followed the same scheme: militant infantry groups would infiltrate the “greenery” in the neutral zone, and open unaimed fire either towards the positions of the ATO forces, or along the frontline. In all instances, Russian media representatives and/or local “journalists” were present in the zone of provocations in case Ukrainian troops opened return fire.

Maneuvers by the infantry groups of militants (which, in addition to small arms, are often equipped with AGS-17 and 82 mm mortars) were detected at the front line, namely in the Petrovskyi district of Donetsk, in the northern part of Horlivka, in the area between Shyrokyne and Sakhanka, in the vicinity of Holmivskyi and Rozsadky, in the area of the Svitlodarsk bridgehead, northeast of Pervomaisk, and also in the area of Krymske, Shchastya, and Stanytsia Luhanska.

The arrival of the so-called “young recruits” was observed at several “training centers” of the “1st Army Corps of the DNR” (local residents “drafted” to [join] the ranks of “the DNR army”). They arrive in groups of 30-40 people. In total, according to the IR group’s estimates, up to 3,500 people were added [to the force] as a result of the “DNR mobilization activities” during its “autumn campaign” (including “draft” and recruitment). (According to earlier statements by the IR group, the “DNR” previously reported on the “draft” of 5,000 people.)

The partial “reorientation” of Russian military aggression from Donbas to Syria has caused a spread of rumors among the “DNR” gang leaders that Russia will stop the supplies of military equipment and weapons to terrorists. During the meetings, the “DNR” leaders state that disruptions of supplies do occur, but remain temporary in nature.

Source: Dmitry Tymchuk FB

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Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
10.17.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance: (the socio-political situation in the regions of Donbas on 10/17/2015)

In the so-called “liberated territories:”

Amongst the patriotic inhabitants of Kramatorsk, there is growing dissatisfaction about the fact that people who actively cooperated with the terrorists are currently running for office. In particular, Andrey Vasfeyev (of the party “Strong Ukraine,” a deputy of the city council), who actively collaborated with “DNR” [“Donetsk Peoples’ Republic”] militants during the occupation of the city, is running for the City Council. Among the candidates running for the post of mayor is Nikolai Kutepov (of the party “Strong Ukraine,” Director of “Krammashproekt,” deputy of the city council), who participated in the so-called “Referendum” in the spring of 2014 as a member of the election commission, located in the premises of the City Council captured by militants, and who also actively helped the rebels to create a “tax system” allowing for the de facto robbery of the businessmen and companies of the city.

In the occupied territories:

The leadership of the “LNR” [“Luhanks Peoples’ Republic”] has prepared a “decree on denying recognition of S. Kurchenko’s corporate rights to property located on the territory of the republic.” An investigation of the fraudulent actions committed by S. Kurchenko is underway, in particular, concerning his attempt “to monopolize the sales of fuel, lubricants and chemical products” in the militant-controlled territory of the Luhansk region. At the same time, Russian “supervisors” instructed the management of the “Luhansk Information Center” to conduct an information campaign against S. Kurchenko. In addition to the “LNR Media,” relevant material will also be distributed in the Russian mass media (RIA News, LifeNews), including the relevant documents recording the results of the investigation of S. Kurchenko’s fraud by the so-called “law enforcement authorities of the LNR.”

Background information: According to IR Group’s data, after the contract for supply of fuel and lubricants was signed between the companies owned by S. Kurchenko and the “energy authorities of the LNR,” USD 3 million was transferred from the budget of the “LNR” to the business accounts of S. Kurchenko. The companies in question did not fulfill their contractual obligations to supply fuel and lubricants.

* * *

The leaders of the Luhansk episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate, [UOC-MP] have begun to refute claims made by the representatives of the “LNR” management about the impending “zombification” [brainwashing] of students in “LNR” schools [by the church].  In particular, the episcopate leaders officially rebutted the claim by the “Minister of Education and Science of the LNR” V.G. Tkachenko about an agreement signed between the “Ministry of Education” and the Luhansk UOC-MP episcopate on cooperation in the sphere of the spiritual education of young people in secondary schools in the “LNR.” The clergy of the Luhansk episcopate called the relevant statement of “minister” Tkachenko “premature.”

* * *
Russian “supervisors” instructed the “DNR” ringleaders to carry out preparations for the local elections scheduled for February 21, 2016. At the same time, representatives of the “LNR authorities” are forbidden from commenting on the possibility of holding elections in the “DNR” in March 2016. Rumors circulating amongst the members of the “LNR” armed gangs claim that “there will be no elections,” indicating that the “LNR / DNR” will instead become part of the Russian Federation.

* * *

“DNR” militants are dismantling the carriage depot of the Donetsk railway (Donetsk city, Artemivska Street). Some of the depot materials and supplies are being exported to the Russian Federation.

* * *

The “DNR” leaders have reported on the successful “autumn conscription” of citizens from the occupied territories, aged 18 to 26. Some 5,000 people were recruited to the ranks of the armed groups of the “DNR” in this “draft.” According to the information disseminated, “military service” will come in the format of the “protection of the public order and protection of objects;” these “recruits,” allegedly, will not participate in military action.

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Dmitry Tymchuk, Head of the Center for Military and Political Research, Coordinator of the Information Resistance group, Member of Parliament (People’s Front)
10.16.2015
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Operational data from Information Resistance:

Russian-terrorist forces continue armed provocations against the ATO forces. Several attempts to incite return fire by Ukrainian troops were observed, while sabotage and reconnaissance groups continue to operate [in the area].

Militants continue to regroup and to resupply illegal armed groups with combat equipment and personnel; as well as to better equip their positions, both at the front line and in the tactical and operational-tactical depth of their combat formations, including with the use of minefields.

In the area of ​​Holmivskyi, terrorists fired AGS-17 grenade launchers at the neutral line for 15 minutes, followed by firing automatic weapons in the same direction for another 10 minutes. A similar provocation was carried out south of Avdiivka.

In the vicinity of Mar’inka, Berezove, Chermalyk, and south of Avdiivka, several militant infantry groups were detected, advancing towards the neutral line to carry out reconnaissance and surveillance.

East of Novozvanivka, several unaimed shots from 82-mm mortars were recorded.

North of Sakhanka, towards Kominternove and Hnutove, as well as in the area of ​​the Bakhmut highway, militants are actively moving their troops and armored vehicles. In the first instance, several army trucks with personnel were accompanied by two BTR-80 APCs.

In the vicinity of Horlivka, four tanks and two BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles from a reserve group of a “battalion” stationed in the southern outskirts of the city were observed moving in the direction of Yenakijeve.

South of Torez, militants set up a “tank firing field,” to which 14 tanks and 10 different APCs were relocated.

Units of militants stationed south of Donetsk continued to receive reinforcements in the form of armored vehicles. A convoy of armored vehicles (8 AFVs) were observed in the vicinity of Kuteinykove.

Militants moved armored vehicles behind the Telmanove – Novoazovsk highway. North of Novoazovsk, [these vehicles] are concentrated in at least several areas.

Terrorists set up intermediary positions along the Pervomaisk–Kirovsk–Berdyanka line. At least 10 different AFVs were reported [at these positions].

A unit of the so-called “Odessa” separate motorized rifle brigade (up to 200 people in strength) relocated to the militant training ground near Lutuhyne. Combat equipment previously accumulated on the territory of this “training center” is used in the course of combat training.

“Free movement” for terrorists in uniforms and with weapons has been limited in Donetsk. Militants were commanded to change into civilian clothes when “exiting their unit locations”; open carry of weapons was [also] banned.

In Donetsk, pro-Russian terrorists are insistently trying to implement a set of measures under a collective propaganda slogan of “success stories in the peaceful life of the young republic.” Businesses are encouraged to purchase goods in Russia for resale in the occupied territories. At the moment, large retail chains are swamped with Russian goods. Despite this, products of Ukrainian origin (especially food), smuggled and sold in small “outlets,” are more popular [in the area].

In Donetsk, a group of Russian state managers is working to “switch” areas under “DNR” [Donetsk People’s Republic] control to using the Russian ruble. In addition, a Russian paramilitary unit is responsible for “delivering monetary supplies” from the Russian territory.

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